Elkton United Methodist Church Sunday, December 2, 2018 First Sunday of Advent 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Before the service begins, please give your white prayer request card to an usher. Please see an usher if you would like to have a large print bulletin or hymnal. All worshipers are asked to sign the attendance register. If you are a guest, please fill out all the information. As the register is passed back down the pew, make note of those sitting near you so you can greet them after the service. LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES AND RINGING OF CHIMES GREETING AND WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS TIME OF CENTERING PRAYER PRELUDE... WAKE, AWAKE, FOR NIGHT IS FLYING... ARR. BY WALTHER SUNG RESPONSE #211 (UMH)... O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL (stanza 1) O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. **CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively) Leader: Watch! Wait! The day of God is at hand! People: Like the bud on a tree, God s possibilities are about to blossom! Leader: Stay awake! The reign of God is very near. People: We are here, watching and waiting with hope. May God bring justice to all people this very day. We rejoice in God as children of the Light! **HYMN #3047 (W&S)... GOD ALMIGHTY, WE ARE WAITING LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH SUNG RESPONSE (sung to the tune of Breathe on Me, Breath of God ) Kindle the flame of hope, may it burn bright and true. Lighting the way that is of God, the journey we pursue. PRAYER (in unison) Merciful God, always with us, always coming: We confess that we do not know how to prepare for your Advent. We have forgotten how to hope in miracles. We have ignored the promise of your kingdom. We get distracted by all the busyness of this season. Forgive us, God. Grant us the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph, that we may journey with them to Bethlehem and find the good news of a child born for us. Now, in the quiet of our hearts, we ask you to make us ready for his coming. Amen. MUSICAL OFFERING - 8:30... LAURIE RUTH, SOLOIST 11:00 CARRY HIS LIGHT... CHANCEL CHOIR LESSON FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES, JEREMIAH 33:14-16 (page 738) **GOSPEL LESSON, LUKE 21:25-36 (page 85) Leader : This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ People : Thanks be to God! **RESPONSE #204 (UMH)... EMMANUEL Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel, God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel. SERMON... THERE WILL BE SIGNS... REV. KAREN F. BUNNELL **HYMN #3048 (W&S)... VIEW THE PRESENT THROUGH THE PROMISE INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION, PAGE 12 (UMH) PRAYERS OF CONFESSION, WORDS OF PARDON AND ASSURANCE **THE PEACE PASTORAL PRAYER RESPONSE #217... AWAY IN A MANGER (stanza 3) Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray; bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. CALL TO OFFERING AND OFFERTORY PRAYER OFFERTORY... ON JORDAN S BANK THE BAPTIST CRY... ARR. BY HOPSON **OFFERTORY RESPONSE, #94 (UMH)..... PRAISE GOD, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! **THE GREAT THANKSGIVING, PAGE 13 (UMH)
THE LORD'S PRAYER (in unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP Communion will be served by intinction this morning. At the direction of the ushers, you are invited to come forward to the servers, where you will receive the bread, and you are then invited to dip the bread into the juice and consume both elements together. After receiving, you are welcome to pray at the chancel rail for as long as you wish, and then return to your pew. PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING **HYMN #209 (UMH)... BLESSED BE THE GOD OF ISRAEL **DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING **CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Bind us together, Lord, bind us together with cords that cannot be broken. Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, bind us together in love. POSTLUDE... RECESSIONAL... HUGHES <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> **Indicates the congregation should stand if able UMH: United Methodist Hymnal (red cover) TFWS: The Faith We Sing (black cover) - found in the rack underneath the pew in front of you W&S: Worship & Song (green cover) <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> STAFF OF ELKTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Peggy Johnson, Bishop Joe Archie, District Superintendent Karen F. Bunnell... Senior Pastor Ray Graham... Associate Pastor of Visitation Ministries Paul Deemer... Handbell Director Steven Gilmore... Choir Director Katie Sparks... Director of Children and Education Ministries Elizabeth Gullion... Secretary Bill Vassalotti... Treasurer Sandy Wherry... Director of Youth Sharon Williams... Organist/Coordinator of Music Ministries Donald Ewing/Donna Horgan... Sextons www.elktonumc.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS WELCOME GUESTS! We welcome all to worship at Elkton UMC this morning, and extend a special welcome to all who are visiting with us this morning. Please fill out the blue visitor card located in the pew racks. We also have a gift for all first-time visitors to our church. It is available from the welcome center or from the ushers in the foyer. If you are a first-time visitor and wish to receive the gift, just speak to one of the ushers as you're leaving the worship service this morning, and they will see that you receive one! Once again, welcome to worship at Elkton UMC! COPIES OF TODAY S SERMON/VIDEO OF TODAY S SERMON Several persons with hearing difficulties have found it helpful to have a copy of the sermon and read along as it is preached, therefore copies are now available from the ushers should you wish to have one. Video of the sermon is now posted on-line as well. To see a video, go the church website, elktonumc.org and click on the Sermons link and there you will see a link to the You Tube site for our sermons. GENERAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATION TODAY Today, at 9:45 am in the sanctuary, our Church and Society Committee will be presenting an information session on the upcoming UMC General Conference. Come and learn about the issues that will be discussed and voted upon at the conference in February of 2019, which will impact all of us. OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2019 AVAILABLE TODAY If you use offering envelopes, your envelopes for 2019 are ready to be picked up from the counter across from the Welcome Center. Your picking up the envelopes saves the church the expense of sending them in the mail. Please note: Some envelope numbers have been changed. ATTENTION WOMEN S RETREAT PARTICIPANTS Just a reminder that your last installment payment is due now. Send or bring it into the church office. WEDNESDAY NIGHT COMMUNION On Wednesday evening, Holy Communion is offered in the chapel at 6:15 p.m. and is led by Ivan Mehosky. All are welcome. CECIL COUNTY CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the Cecil County Choral Society s Concert here at our church on Sunday, December 9 th at 4 pm. The concert will feature a children s choir, which includes children from our church. Just a heads up you ll want to get here early to get a seat. Last year s performance was standing room only! CLASSIC CHRISTIANS DECEMBER MEETING The Classic Christians (age 50 and over) will meet on Friday, December 14 th at 6:30 pm in Weldin Hall for the December/Christmas meeting. The night will begin with a potluck dinner (bring a dish to share) and continue on with Christmas music and fun. To take part, sign up on the sheet across from the Welcome Center. LOOKING AHEAD SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 TH UMW COOKIE WALK SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 TH CECIL COUNTY CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 TH CHARGE CONFERENCE TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2018 THIS WEEK S SCHEDULE 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM... Worship Services 8:30 AM-12:30 PM... Child Care/Nursery Birth through Kindergarten (Rm. 24) 9:15 AM... Youth Choir Rehearsal (Room 1) 9:45 AM... General Conference Presentation (Sanctuary) 9:45 AM... Sunday School (all ages) 6:00 PM... Youth Group MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 11:00 AM... Line Dancing (Weldin Hall) 6:00 PM... Cub Scout Meeting (Weldin Hall) 7:00 PM... Handbell Choir Rehearsal (Room 26) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2018 2:30 PM... Nursing Home Visitation (McCardell Team) 7:00 PM... Cecil County Choral Society Rehearsal (WH) 7:00 PM... Nar-Anon Meeting (Room 1) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 6:15 PM... Communion (Chapel) 6:30 PM..Men s Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 7:00 PM... Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 7:00 PM... Boy Scout Troop Meeting (Weldin Hall) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 12:30 PM... Weight Watchers (Weldin Hall) 6:30 PM... Missions Meeting (Conference Room) 8:00 PM... AA Meeting (Room 1) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 5:00 PM... Cookie Walk Setup (Weldin Hall) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2018 9:00 AM 11:00 AM... Cookie Walk (Weldin Hall) 9:00 AM... Choir Rehearsal
PARTICIPANTS IN TODAY'S SERVICE Worship Leader: Bethany Buckley Readers: 8:30 Bill Moffitt 11:00 Bret Eddinger Acolytes: 8:30 Ryan Zimmer 11:00 Jack Edler Greeters: 8:30 Mabel Gary 11:00 Allene Rittenhouse & Ada Winkowski Linda Boulden Welcome Center: 8:10-8:30 & 10:40-11:00 & 9:30-9:50 Marsha Perrine 12:00-12:20 Donna Perkins Hospitality: 8:30 Jane MacDonald 11:00 Ruth Loomis & Gale Willis Arlene Zappo Hall Monitors: 8:30 Rich Achuff 11:00 Bob Perkins Nursery: 8:30 Jack Kovicak 11:00 TBD Tech Team: 8:30 Joe Buckley and 11:00 Gail and Rich Juergens Jamie Laning Parking Lot Knights: Kevin White, Wayne Eller, Ken McCoy, Bob Perkins, Gary Lewis, Rod Perrine and Jack Williams. Ushers: 8:30 Murray Thompson, Rich Gruebel, Wayne Scholz, Jamie Laning, Jane MacDonald, Bob MacDonald, Deborah McDowell, Ted McDowell 11:00 Frank Deibert, Charles Campbell, Ken McCoy, Barton Funke, Buddy Camors, Faye Camors, Robert Mitchell, Michael Schmook, Ray Whiteoak FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR are in loving memory of my mother and Grammy, whose birthdays were December 7th and 9 th, by Carolann and Gary Lewis. AVAILABLE ALL MORNING Nursery care is available during this morning's worship services. The nursery is located in Rooms 22-24 and is staffed by Yolanda Gomez, a professional childcare worker, assisted by volunteers from our congregation. One of our ushers can guide you there. New children are welcome! Also, please know that it is perfectly fine to leave the worship service with your child if they become restless or unhappy. Your child will be happier and those seated around you will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
PRAYER CONCERNS* Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God s people. Ephesians 6:18 CEV Our Missionaries Rev. Phil Godbey, Red Bird, KY Our Pastors Rev. Peggy Johnson, Bishop Rev. Joe Archie, DS Rev. Karen Bunnell Rev. Ray Graham Our Nation President Trump, & All Leaders Those serving in the military: Aaron Baunchalk Joe DeHaven Shane Hatfield (friend of the Pugh's) Capt. Tim Johnson Elizabeth Juergens Eric Luppold Garrett Mann Joe Moore Brandon Pearson Robert Rakes Jeremy Sanders Zachary Schmook Ethan Senn Zachary Senn Kyle Senn Jeff Smith Samantha Stapp (Nancy Leathrum s cousin) William Henry Wright, Jr. Matthew Yarrington (Wanda Jackson s son-in-law) Jacob Zervas Hospital Keith McKenica Members and Friends Cindy Abrams (11/11) (Ted & Deb McDowell s niece) Ben Allen (11/25) (Nadine s brother) Les Andrews (11/4) Julie Argoe (11/4) Kathy Brown (11/25) Enid Brumbley (11/25) Diane Mauk s mother Vickie Cebula (11/25) Beverly Cheeks (12/2) Dottie Cochran (12/2) Barbara Dean (12/2) Ruth Dvorak (11/25) (Sonia Dulin s sister) Marlene Gautsch (11/25) Robyn Graham (11/25) Charlotte Gruebel (11/11) (Rich s mother) Barbara Herr (11/11) (Dick Gochnauer s sister) Brian Kirley (12/2) Ken McCoy (11/25) Ed McKeown (11/25) Al Morgan (11/26) Carrie Olewine (11/4) Ernie Olsen (11/25) Jane Arrants-Parrack (11/25) John Pugh (11/4) Audrey Russell (11/11) (Lucille s mother-in-law) Bob Shumate (11/25) (Ina Andrew s brother-in-law) Cheri Stout (11/25) (Donna Perkins sister-in-law) Mike VanDenHeuvel (11/25) Owen Wevadou (11/25) Cathy Williams (11/25) Connie Wilkinson (11/11) Ken Wyerman (11/25) (Sue Ivey s father) Danielle & Tim Rothermel (12/2) (Rich & Ellen Gruebel s neighbors) Pauline Taylor (12/2) (Dave Wherry s mother) Abbey Manor Mildred McCormick Calvert Manor Henry Jacobs Jim Melvin Citizens Nursing Home Jackie McGuirk Elkton Transition Wanda Webber Laurelwood Helen Meyers Thank You Your generous gifts, cards, phone calls, visits, and prayers were greatly appreciated during the time of our mother Lillian Armstrong s illness and passing. This church has been a living example of Christ s love to our family. Love, Ruth Dvorak, Sonia Dulin And Loretta Brockell If you know that a church member is hospitalized or sick, so as to need a pastor s attention, please let the Church Office know. Names are listed for 4 weeks. After that, if you wish a name to remain, please submit a white prayer card indicating that.
December 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 First Sunday of Advent Communion 9:45 Sunday School 6:00 PM Youth Group 3 11:00 AM Line Dancing 6:00 PM Cub Scouts 7:00 PM Handbell Choir 4 2:30 PM Nursing Home Visitation (Nancy McCardell s Team) 7:00 PM Nar-Anon Mtg. 7:00 PM CCCS Rehearsal 5 6:15 PM Communion 6:30 PM Men s Choir 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 6 6:30 PM Missions 7:00 PM Board of Laity (Parlor) 7 8 9:00 AM Cookie Walk 9 Second Sunday of Advent 9:45 AM Sunday School 4:00 PM Cecil County Choral Society Winter Concert 6:00 PM Youth Group 16 Third Sunday of Advent Choir Cantata 9:45 AM Sunday School Christmas Program 4:00 PM Blue Christmas Service 6:00 PM Youth Group 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent Children s Time 9:45 AM Sunday School 10 6:00 PM Cub Scout Mtg. 7:00 PM Handbell Choir 17 6:00 PM Cub Scouts 7:00 PM Handbell Choir 24 Christmas Eve Office Closed 5:00 PM Family Service 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM Candlelight Services 10:00 PM Communion 11 9:30 AM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM Cecil County Choral Society Board Meeting 7:00 PM Nar-Anon Mtg. 18 6:30 PM Cub Scout 7:00 PM Nar-Anon Mtg. 25 Merry Christmas! Office Closed 12 10:30 AM Tele-Care 12:00 PM Ruth-Sarah Circle Luncheon 2:00 PM Common Ground 6:15 PM Communion 6:30 PM Men s Choir 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 19 6:30 AM Men s Breakfast (Cracker Barrel) 6:15 PM Communion 6:30 PM Men s Choir 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 26 Office Closed 13 January Newsletter Deadline 6:00 PM Dorcas Circle Meeting 20 7:00 PM Boy Scout 27 14 12:00 PM Community Blood Drive (WH) 6:30 PM Classic Christians Potluck Dinner/Program 21 First Day of Winter 28 29 15 9:30 AM Charge Conference (WH) 22 5:00 PM Youth Progressive Dinner 30 10:00 AM Worship Service 31
You re Invited to Remember and Give Thanks For Someone Special This Christmas You re invited to remember someone special in your life this Christmas by purchasing a poinsettia for our altar area for Christmas Eve, or by giving a monetary gift toward the purchase of a mosquito net for the United Methodist Church s Imagine No Malaria campaign. Whichever gift you choose, the cost is $11.00, and all gifts will be listed in a special bulletin insert for our Christmas Eve services. The last day to order will be Sunday, December 16 th. **If you are ordering a poinsettia and a net, please make separate payments!! Thank you! ****************************************************** Your Name In Memory of Or In Honor of Amount attached: $ Check #: Envelope/On-line #: Poinsettia or Net Make checks out to Elkton UMC and write poinsettia or net on the memo line. Please place in the offering plate, or drop it by the church office. You re Invited to Remember and Give Thanks For Someone Special This Christmas You re invited to remember someone special in your life this Christmas by purchasing a poinsettia for our altar area for Christmas Eve, or by giving a monetary gift toward the purchase of a mosquito net for the United Methodist Church s Imagine No Malaria campaign. Whichever gift you choose, the cost is $11.00, and all gifts will be listed in a special bulletin insert for our Christmas Eve services. The last day to order will be Sunday, December 16 th. **If you are ordering a poinsettia and a net, please make separate payments!! Thank you! ****************************************************** Your Name In Memory of Or In Honor of Amount attached: $ Check #: Envelope/On-line #: Poinsettia or Net Make checks out to Elkton UMC and write poinsettia or net on the memo line. Please place in the offering plate, or drop it by the church office.